Lost Pet First Steps: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

Wondering what to do if you lose your dog or cat? The best thing you can do is stay calm and take action quickly. An efficient search—rather than total panic—is crucial.

Even if you have a lost pet without a microchip, you can find your pet with the right strategy and a strong social network.

So, take a few deep breaths, stretch and shake out any tension, and read on for your quick guide to finding a lost pet ASAP.

Why the First 24 Hours Matter So Much

It’s important to take full advantage of the first 24 hours after losing a pet to increase your chances of a successful reunion. Most pets are found in less than an hour within a mile of their home—and many more are found within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Surveys of pet owners who have found their lost pets note that you’re most likely to find your lost dog or cat during a traditional foot search or through connections on social media. These are the two most important places to channel panic into a clear and focused plan.

Here’s how to move forward with purpose, step by step.

If someone left the door open, there’s a hole in the fence, or you’ve got a runner, they could still be close by.

Step 2: Make Sure Your Pet’s Microchip Info Is Updated (If Applicable)

If your dog or cat is microchipped, dig out the paperwork or find it online.

Microchips are one of the most reliable tools for recovering lost pets because most animal shelters and veterinary offices scan every pet that comes through their doors. A handheld device reveals the unique ID number embedded in the chip—and as long as your contact details are up to date, you can be reunited quickly.

Step 3: Act Fast If Your Pet Has No Microchip

If your lost dog has no microchip or your lost cat isn't microchipped, that’s okay—you can still find them.

Skip ahead to these next action items:

On social, be sure to tag a handful of local and loyal friends and ask them to share your post with their circle.

Step 4: Report Your Lost Pet to Local Shelters, Vets, and Animal Control

After you’ve notified your neighbors, expand your reach to local pet organizations.

Step 5: Use Online Tools and Social Media

Continue expanding your reach online.

An important note as DMs come in: Beware of lost pet scams targeting you in a vulnerable time. These often involve claims that they’ve found your pet but need money—via cash apps, gift cards, or verification codes—to transport them or cover a “holding fee.”

Always insist on seeing your pet in person in a safe, public place like a police department parking lot. Don’t accept sketchy excuses (like a broken camera on their phone) and never share sensitive personal information beyond basic contact details. If something feels off, it probably is.

Step 6: Put Up Flyers and Alert Your Community

If you’ve covered these initial bases and you still haven’t been reunited with your pet, it’s important to hold onto hope and give community members as much information as possible.

Step 7: Don’t Stop Searching—Keep Rechecking

Continue to do everything in your power to find your pet.

Step 8: What to Do When Your Lost Dog or Cat Is Found

Finding a lost pet feels like winning the lottery—but shortly after your celebration, take the opportunity to do everything you can to avoid reliving that stress at all costs.

Bottom Line: Be Prepared and Stay Hopeful

Losing a pet is a terrifying and disheartening experience, but many lost pets are recovered quickly—it could be a matter of hours or days. Microchips, social networks, and persistence make a huge difference.

Moving forward, prevention is the best medicine. To prevent future escapes and be prepared should one happen again, take these steps:

If you’re in the thick of it, remember that you’re not alone. Pet communities, neighbors, and animal welfare organizations are ready and willing to help you find your lost pet.